Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 22: Shoaib, who reportedly had a role to play in the serial blasts that rocked the city 12 years ago, and who had gone into hiding since then, was arrested by the city anti terror cell police on Monday September 21.

Shoaib had played an active role in the serial bomb blasts case in which blasts were triggered at various places in the city including Madivala. The police got information about his presence in Kerala. In a joint operation conducted along with the national investigation agencies, he was taken into custody from there and brought here, sources said.

Shoaib, who is a native of Kozhikode, was an active member of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Investigating agencies had issued red corner notices for his arrest.

Shoaib was identified with the close associates of terrorist Riaz Bhatkal. It is said that he was involved with the supply of explosive materials for the destructive activities of SIMI. He is suspected to have played a role in the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts also. Sources said that investigation on that issue would also be conducted.

Bombs had gone off on July 25, 2008, at nine places in the city including Mysuru road. Two had died in the blasts and 20 had suffered injuries of varying degrees. The police had investigated the case and arrested several including the head of People's Democratic Party of Kerala, Abdul Nasser.

Sources said that Shoaib was brought to the city by Indigo flight. He was led to the forensic science laboratory from the airport. The arrest operation was led by a team led by Central Crime Branch police team led by assistant commissioner of police, Venugopal, acting under the directions of anti terror cell.